Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation debuts; appoints development director to lead donor and partner engagement

Published on July 8th, 2014 | By: Eileen De Guire

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The American Ceramic Society pledges $1 million matching seed grant to promote careers in ceramic and glass industries.

WESTERVILLE, OHIO—The American Ceramic Society today announced the appointment of Marcus J. Fish to the new position of development director for the Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation (CGIF).

A new initiative of ACerS, the CGIF mission is to ensure that the global ceramic and glass industry is able to attract and train the highest quality talent available to work with this unique class of engineered materials.

The CGIF addresses two diverging trends impacting the ceramic and glass industry, according to David Green, president of the Society.

“Universities have been consolidating ceramic engineering degree programs into materials science and engineering programs over the past several decades. Meanwhile, applications for engineered ceramic and glass materials in commercial products continue to expand. The CGIF addresses industry’s need for materials scientists with the specialized knowledge to produce and engineer reliable ceramics and glasses,” says Green.

The CGIF will work with professors involved with ceramic and glass research or teaching to deliver scholarships and internships for undergraduate students. Also, it will deliver cost-efficient training and continuing education for working professionals, and outreach programs for elementary and secondary students to introduce materials science, especially, ceramic and glass materials.

“The addition of Marcus to our team is a significant step for the CGIF and builds on other important steps we’ve taken in the first half of this year,” says Charlie Spahr, executive director of ACerS. Spahr also serves as executive director of CGIF. “Having Marcus work with individual and corporate donors will allow us to accelerate the pace of the Foundation’s development and start building its programs,” he says.

ACerS has pledged an initial matching seed grant of $1 million to the Foundation. All donations will support CGIF programs. In addition to working with donors, Fish will develop partnerships with companies, education institutions, and government labs.

ACerS Board of Directors approved establishing the CGIF in October 2013, which has since been incorporated as an LLC of The American Ceramic Society in the State of Ohio. A Board of Trustees comprising business and education leaders from around the globe is being formed to direct the CGIF.

Fish joins ACerS after serving nine years as ­­­­­director of planned giving at Grove City College, Grove City, Pa.

Founded in 1898, The American Ceramic Society is the leading professional membership organization for ceramic and materials scientists, engineers, researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, and students. The Society serves more than 9,000 members from more than 70 countries.